2025 NBA mock draft: Latest expert predictions ahead of March Madness
Selection Sunday is finally here and the field of 68 teams participating in the men's NCAA Tournament will be unveiled. And more importantly, it's the last opportunity for college prospects to leave a lasting impression before the 2025 NBA draft.
The NBA draft is scheduled to take place from June 25-26 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The top prospects are on a journey, aiming to conclude their college careers by winning a championship trophy on April 6, ending their collegiate journeys and moving on to the NBA. Leading the list of prospects heading into March Madness is Duke standout Cooper Flagg, who is expected to be the top pick.
Here is the latest NBA mock draft, a speculative projection of the first round, as March Madness kicks off in a few days.
2025 NBA mock draft
1. Cooper Flagg, Duke
- Freshman, guard-forward, 6-9, 205, 18 years old
- 2024-25 stats: 19.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 4.2 apg, 1.5 spg, 1.3 bpg, 49.4% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 83% FT
2. Dylan Harper, Rutgers
- Freshman, guard, 6-6, 215, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 19.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.7% FG, 34.5% 3PT, 73.8% FT
Harper has been the standout player for Rutgers, despite the team finishing the season with a 15-17 record. The 6-foot-6 young star's college career has come to an end and, unfortunately, he will not be participating in the NCAA Tournament. However, his potential is expected to propel him to the next level in his basketball career.
3. Ace Bailey, Rutgers
- Freshman, guard-forward, 6-10, 200, 18
- 2024-25 stats: 17.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.3 bpg, 45.8% FG, 34.6% 3PT, 69.2% FT
Bailey is a player with notable length and size, stepping into a league that values athletes like him. He has a smooth and dependable shooting technique, which some believe isn't yet at its peak potential, but with the right training, he can improve. Additionally, he has an attack-first mentality and the ability to finish strong at the rim.
4. VJ Edgecombe, Baylor
- Freshman, guard, 6-5, 180, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.1 spg, 43.8% FG, 35.8% 3PT, 77.9% FT
Edgecombe has showcased his athleticism, displaying explosive play and an exceptional ability to steal the ball, which earned him the title of Big 12 Freshman of the Year. In his first year at Baylor, he is a high-level scorer off the ball, although he can improve his on-ball scoring skills. Edgecombe will have the opportunity to demonstrate his talents in the NCAA Tournament as the Bears pursue the championship.
5. Kon Knueppel, Duke
- Freshman, guard-forward, 6-7, 217, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 13.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 47% FG, 39.9% 3PT, 91.4% FT
Knueppel heads into the NCAA Tournament as Duke's second-leading scorer and can ignite the offense with his accurate 3-point shot. His efficient shooting motion allows him to be constantly ready to receive the ball in his shooting pocket. Knueppel is crucial for Duke's success in the March Madness tournament, and NBA scouts will be observing this standout player closely.
6. Kasparas Jakucionis, Illinois
- Freshman, guard, 6-6, 205, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 15.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 4.8 apg, 45.5% FG, 33.1% 3PT, 83.2% FT
Jakucionis played a crucial role in Illinois finishing the season with three consecutive wins, resulting in a 20-11 record. Jakucionis has demonstrated that he is a playmaker, capable of both scoring and passing. However, he has struggled with turnovers, which could be a concern for NBA scouts. He will need to make a strong case during the NCAA tournament and perform impressively for Illinois.
7. Tre Johnson, Texas
- Freshman, guard, 6-6, 190, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 20.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.8 apg, 43.4% FG, 39.5% 3PT, 88.3% FT
Johnson has demonstrated that he is a natural shooter and scorer throughout this season with the Longhorns. While his overall statistics may not be overwhelming, his standout performance includes scoring 39 points against Arkansas on Feb. 26. Conversely, he also faced a tough finish to the regular season, going 0-for-14 from the field in a loss to Oklahoma. Despite these ups and downs, he is a player to watch in the March Madness tournament, as it will be a key indicator of his readiness for the next level.
8. Khaman Maluach, Duke
- Freshman, center, 7-2, 250, 18
- 2024-25 stats: 8.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 68.3% FG, 75% FT
Maluach has had an impressive first year with the Blue Devils, playing a crucial role in both offense and defense. While his flaws have been evident in ACC competition, this may be attributed to his lack of experience. Therefore, his performance during the NCAA Tournament will be vital in determining whether he is NBA-ready.
9. Asa Newell, Georgia
- Freshman, forward, 6-11, 220, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 15.1 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.1 spg, 1.0 bpg, 54% FG, 29.3% 3PT, 74.8% FT
Newell may not appear as quick and agile as he truly is, given his size, but this has contributed to his successful season. Although Georgia lost to Oklahoma in the SEC tournament, they will be a team to watch as the freshman takes the court during March Madness.
10. Egor Demin, BYU
- Freshman, forward, 6-9, 19
- 2024-25 stats: 10.8 ppg, 5.6 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 spg, 41.9% FG, 27.6% 3PT, 67.1% FT
Demin is a skilled playmaker who makes quick decisions in hard situations and facilitates for his teammates. He is the size of a wing player but possesses guard-like skills, making him a unique player. Defensively, he uses his length to create turnovers and disrupt passing lanes, although his shooting efficiency is a concern, he is still a strong player to keep an eye on during the March Madness tournament.
USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt, Lorenzo Reyes and James H. Williams also contributed to this story.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2025 NBA mock draft: Expert predictions ahead of March Madness
Topics
-
2025 NBA Mock Draft: Duke's Cooper Flagg goes No. 1 ahead of Rutgers' Dylan Harper
Flagg is the top pick in Kyle Boone's mock draft heading into the NCAA TournamentCBS Sports - 4d -
2025 NFL mock draft roundup: Bears target top skill players at No. 10
In our latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft roundup, experts believe the Bears will target two of the top offensive players with the 10th overall pick.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Latest composite 2025 NFL mock draft
Breakdown of the first round of the 2025 NFL draft using a composite of four mock drafts to see latest mock trends.Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Commanders select offensive tackle in latest mock draft
CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso released his latest mock draft and predicts the Washington Commanders will select offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Where Duke basketball’s NCAA Tournament resume stands as March Madness arrives
Duke basketball will be among the top seeds in March Madness. Here’s where the Blue Devils’ 2025 NCAA Tournament resume stands on Selection Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 15h -
2025 NFL mock draft: Broncos select RB Omarion Hampton
The Broncos land UNC RB Omarion Hampton in this 2025 NFL mock draft.Yahoo Sports - 13h -
Where Purdue basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions on Selection Sunday
What Purdue Boilermakers basketball March Madness bracketology predictions say on Selection Sunday, when 2025 NCAA tourney bracket will be revealed.Yahoo Sports - 17h -
Top sleeper prospects for the Steelers in the 2025 NFL draft
Our favorite late-round options for the Steelers in the 2025 NFL draft.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Where UNCW basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions on Selection Sunday
Where does the UNCW Seahawks basketball team fall in March Madness bracketology and predictions on Selection Sunday? The 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket will be revealed tonight at a watch party at ...Yahoo Sports - 18h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Lionel Messi, Fafà Picault rally Inter Miami to 2-1 victory over Atlanta United
Lionel Messi scored early and Fafà Picault scored the winner after subbing in late to rally Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday night. Picault's ...Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Jack Draper caps spectacular week by winning BNP Paribas Open
Draper is just the second British player, following Cam Norrie in 2021, to win a singles title at Indian Wells.Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Arvidsson scores go-ahead goal as Oilers beat Rangers 3-1
Yahoo Sports - 14m -
Bryant HC Phil Martelli Jr. previews matchup with Michigan State basketball
Bryant head coach Phil Martelli Jr. previewed the matchup with Michigan StateYahoo Sports - 16m -
WATCH: Oregon State WBB Previews NCAA Tournament vs North Carolina MORE
PROMO: Join BeaversEdge.com and get 30 DAYS FREE!Hear from Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck and guards Kennedie Shuler and Tiara Bolden following the NCAA Tournament Selection Show that placed ...Yahoo Sports - 16m
More in Sports
-
Magic end Cavaliers' winning streak at 16 games
Paolo Banchero scored 24 points, Franz Wagner added 22 and the Magic beat Cleveland 108-103 on Sunday to end the Cavs' winning streak at 16 games.ESPN - 3m -
Andreeva stops Sabalenka for Indian Wells title
Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva fought back to overcome world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the Indian Wells final Sunday.ESPN - 3m -
Auburn, Duke top men's NCAA field; SEC gets 14
Overall top seed Auburn was joined by Duke, Houston and Florida as 1-seeds, and a record 14 teams from the SEC were selected to participate in the NCAA tournament.ESPN - 3m -
3-seed Iowa State loses star Gilbert for tourney
No. 3 seed Iowa State lead guard Keshon Gilbert will miss the NCAA tournament due to what he called a groin injury.ESPN - 3m -
McIlroy, Spaun set for Monday playoff at Players
Rory McIlroy and J.J. Spaun wound up tied after a four-hour rain delay Sunday at the Players Championship and have to return Monday for a playoff to decide who wins the richest tournament in golf.ESPN - 3m